Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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USF’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree will give you the training and experience needed to become a culturally-competent licensed professional. You will be prepared to function in a variety of settings — healthcare, residential, private practice, community agency, governmental, forensic, business and industrial — through various field training opportunities.

Our goal is to help you develop the therapeutic skills and hands-on experience that relates to your interests and future career.

The curriculum incorporates the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for every practicing counselor. You will have advanced coursework in the areas of child, marriage and family, and substance use which, along with an internship experience, allows you to specialize in working with that particular population.

100% Success!

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the state licensing exam and to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). USF graduates have a 100% pass rate.

The diversity of the faculty’s expertise makes this program particularly well-rounded. From some professors, I learned the science and foundation; from others, I developed strong counseling skills. Most importantly, they teach students to be themselves, to cultivate and use their strengths in their counseling practice.

Hands-On, Professional Experience

Students in our program build extensive experience (and connections!) through the following practicums. Your program director will work with you to find the ideal settings.

Practicum — 100 hours at the Bowen Community Mental Health Center: Participate in clinical work at an agency, working 8-10 hours per week. This includes 40 hours of face- to-face client contact, starting with group therapy

Internship — 600 hours: Your internship can be done over one or two semesters, depending on your needs. It includes 240 hours of face-to-face client contact

Advanced Internship — 300 hours: This one-semester experience will match your area of concentration) and includes 120 hours of face-to-face client contact

Added Value!

Flexibility and Convenience

Our classes are scheduled in the evenings, so you can balance your work and family obligations.

Values and Ethics

USF’s commitment to its Franciscan Values is evident in all aspects of its programs and activities. This program teaches outreach and strength-based strategies that serve individuals and communities through a social justice lens. As such, you will build your identity as a counselor who applies ethical principles and professional standards in your practice.

Career Outlook & Success

$48,790

Median pay for and marriage and family therapists per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$43,300

Median pay for mental health counselors per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

23%

expected job growth for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists by 2026

Bonus!

USF offers a 12-credit School Counselor Licensure Track! This non-degree option is ideal for anyone with a master’s in Psychology or Counseling. Students complete one course (Organization and Administration of School Counseling), complete the Practicum and Internship experiences, and take counseling content courses as needed. Upon completion, they’re prepared to take the state licensing exam.

Learn from Experts

Throughout your studies, you will be taught and mentored by a team of experts. USF’s Psychology and Counseling faculty are true professionals with extensive credentials and diverse experience in the field.

A few highlights:

John Brinkman, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Counseling, has clinical expertise in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology

Rolf Daniel, Ed.D., Professor of Psychology and Counseling, is a forensic and clinical psychologist with expertise in addiction and substance abuse

Carl Jylland-Halverson, SFO, Psy.D. Professor of Psychology and Counseling, is a clinical psychologist with expertise in human trauma.

Monica Heller, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling, is research scientist and expert in human growth and development

Mike Martynowicz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling, is a research scientist and expert in human growth and development